Sacramento Active Transportation Commission Meeting – January 19, 2023

The Active Transportation Commission met on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 6:00 PM via teleconference. The meeting included a consent calendar, oral staff report, presentation of the Subcommittee on Status of Walking/Biking annual report, and discussion and votes on two major transportation plans (Freeport Boulevard and Northgate Boulevard) and three Caltrans grant applications. The meeting concluded at 8:17 PM. Notably, several commissioners indicated this was their final meeting as terms expired.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of November 17, 2022, Meeting Minutes – Passed unanimously (Commissioner Buenrostro abstained).
• Adoption of Active Transportation Commission Log – Passed as part of the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Allison: On the Subcommittee report, expressed support, noting it is "not perfect but a great basis" and urged the commission to send it to council. On Freeport Boulevard, criticized the plan for prioritizing car throughput over walking and biking, noting lack of tree planning, driveway consolidation, and dedicated right‑turn lanes. On Northgate Boulevard, praised the lane reduction and innovation but reiterated concerns about driveway frequency and lack of tree planning. Supported the Caltrans grant applications.
• Joe Flores (Parks Commissioner): On Freeport Boulevard, supported the plan as a step forward, especially the roundabout, acknowledging constraints but urging modernization.
• Troy Sankey: On Freeport Boulevard, expressed disappointment that no lane reduction was included, calling the design "infrastructure jammed in the gutter" and questioning impact on VMT/GHG reduction.

Discussion Items

• Commission Staff Report (Oral) – Jennifer Donlon Wyant provided updates on the Del Rio Trail construction, Del Paso Boulevard lane reduction, bike detection at traffic signals, and the bike rack program. She thanked outgoing commissioners.
• Subcommittee on Status of Walking/Biking – Annual Report (Oral) – Chair Doerr Westbrook presented nine recommendations: increase active transportation funding, expand speed management, develop a citywide Safe Routes to School program, re‑establish Slow & Active Streets, create a Quick‑Build Bikeways program, finalize the construction detour policy, increase bike parking, pilot an e‑bike library, and create an ATC dashboard. Commissioners suggested prioritizing recommendations, considering staff capacity, and requesting to present to City Council. No vote was taken; the report will be revised and brought back for action at a future meeting.
• Freeport Boulevard Transportation Plan Final Draft – Staff presented a plan from Sutterville Road to Blair Avenue, including new crosswalks, signal coordination, separated bikeways, a roundabout at Sutterville/McClatchy Park, and sidewalk infill. The road diet was not feasible due to traffic volumes (>20,000 vehicles/day). Public comment was mixed. The commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council approval. (Motion: Commissioner Houpt; Second: Commissioner Harris; 11‑0)
• Northgate Boulevard Transportation Plan Final Draft – The plan covers Highway 80 to Del Paso Boulevard, featuring a lane reduction south of San Juan Road, a two‑way cycle track connecting to the American River Parkway, new signals, and enhanced medians. Public comment was supportive. The commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council approval. (Motion: Commissioner Ward‑Waller; Second: Commissioner Carpenter; 11‑0)
• Fiscal Year 2022/23 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Applications – Staff proposed applying for grants for three corridor plans: Arden Way Transportation & Vision Zero Plan, Howe Avenue Transportation & Vision Zero Plan, Norwood Avenue Mobility Transportation Plan, and a Climate Adaptation Plan for Transportation Infrastructure. Commissioners expressed strong support. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to City Council for approval. (Motion: Commissioner Heim; Second: Vice Chair Paullins; 10‑0, Commissioner Ward‑Waller abstained due to conflict of interest)

Key Outcomes

• Freeport Boulevard Transportation Plan – Recommended for City Council approval (unanimous).
• Northgate Boulevard Transportation Plan – Recommended for City Council approval (unanimous).
• Caltrans Grant Applications – Recommended to City Council to apply for four grants (unanimous, one abstention).
• Subcommittee Annual Report – Discussion held; revisions will be made and brought back for a vote at a future meeting.
• Commissioner Comments – Several commissioners (Carpenter, Heim, Paullins, Heidorn) noted this was their last meeting. Commissioner Heidorn suggested identifying "micro‑gaps" in the bike network and exploring sustainable revenue sources.